The Maloneys' Magical Weatherbox

Gr 4–6—Neil and Liz Maloney's father is a very important person, even though no one knows it: He is the Weatherman himself, one of the four caretakers of the world, honoring the ancient agreement between humanity and the seasons. This also means that he is the keeper of the Weatherbox, a magical phone booth that rings four times a year when the seasons change. But this year when it is time for summer to end and autumn to arrive, the phone does not ring. Added to the mix are a mysterious tourist, two hags, and a bog beast that looks like a cat. Most mysterious of all is their neighbor Mrs. Fitzgerald, who does not seem the least bit surprised by any of it. When Liz senses something under the water, and Neil and the Tourist go to enlist the Shieldsmen's help, chaos ensues. Although the switching of Neil and Liz's voices can be jarring, and there is a lot of information packed in that will inform and entertain readers. Set in modern-day Ireland, this fantasy is a delightfully rambunctious tale full of unique characters and high energy. The resolution is clever and unexpected.